Hepatitis E virus infection in chimpanzees: a retrospective analysis

Different patterns of disease were observed among ii chimpanzees who were i noculated intravenously with hepatitis E virus (HEV) positive fecal specime ns from four different outbreaks (Nepal 1981, Uzbekistan 1981, Pakistan 198 5, and Mexico 1986). Five chimpanzees had marginal or no liver enzyme eleva tions within 70 days of inoculation. Two Of the chimpanzees had limited vir emia, but did not produce detectable antibody. The four remaining chimpanze es had liver enzyme elevations, viral shedding, viremia, seroconversion to anti-HEV, and detectable HEV antigen in liver biopsy specimens. These resul ts may reflect the range of infection patterns that develop in humans after natural exposure to the HEV.